Paul Berenger

Paul Berenger is a character in the Eden Pond Series.

Biography

Born near Butteville, Oregon, Paul would move to Tillamook County after the First World War. There, during a long career with the Sheriff's Office he would eventually advance to undersheriff. He was known for his stoic manner, particularly on the job. Aside from his friendship with the Pond family, he rarely socialized, except as required by the protocols of the office he held. He was a member of of various service organizations in Tillamook, including the Odd Fellows (IOOF)—also less out of personal desire than political expedience. In Tillamook County, most appreciated this aspect of his character; he was dedicated to the job, not devoted to the trappings of his position. But he did have opposition from more politically active members of the community, people who saw public office as a prize to be won and exploited rather than a service to perform.

Paul had an aunt and uncle in Bay City who helped him get settled when he arrived in Tillamook County. He married in 1922, but his wife died in childbirth in 1930. He never remarried. He was a church-goer who served on the Alter Guild at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Tillamook. During World War I, he was wounded in action in the Battle of Soissons and dragged to safety by Merton Pond. Afterward, his sense of obligation to Merton led to his decision to come live in Tillamook County. There, he would both look after Merton and act as a kind of godfather to Eden and Harry Pond.

Description
He was tall, with grey eyes and brown hair. He wore it slicked-back with pomade. He smoked Pall Mall cigarettes, though rarely around Eden.

Vital Statistics

Date of Birth: 31 August 1898
Wounded in Combat: 18 July 1918 near Soissons, France
Awarded Purple Heart: 1 August 1918
Date of Death: —

Appearances

• Tillamook Guerrillas (working title), Eden Pond Book 1
• Women's Air Service (working title), Eden Pond Book 3
• Fire Balloon (working title), Eden Pond Book 4